Page 57 of Mr. Perfect

Spencer laughed. “I don’t watch my own interviews. It just feels weird.” So far, his answers hadn’t tripped Felix’s bullshit meter, so he pressed on.

“This will be new information for the readers or listeners.”

“Let’s start with an overview of how the program formed and who oversees it because I think that’s a good segue into how the enrollees are chosen,” Spencer said.

“By all means,” Felix said. He wasn’t about to discourage Spencer from talking.

“I can’t claim the credit for coming up with the Second Chance Program. It was my wife’s suggestion after talking to our pastor. He spends much of his time ministering to inmates at the county and state facilities. Once she planted the idea in my head, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I’m sure you recognize the attribute.”

“Absolutely,” Felix agreed.

“I had the financial resources and the jobs to offer but wasn’t sure where to start. The first thing I did was reach out to parole officers and ask who I should talk to and how I should best implement hiring practices.”

Felix nodded. “Makes sense.”

“I worked with the department of corrections and several branches of law enforcement to first determine the needs of the parolees when they get released. From there, they helped me formulate program eligibility guidelines.”

“Which excludes violent offenders, correct?” Felix asked.

“Absolutely. Now, I know people are wrongfully convicted, but I have to put the safety of the auto mall employees first.”

“I agree,” Felix said.

Cameron’s cell phone rang on the desk. “One minute, please.” He checked the caller ID, silenced the ringing, then smiled at Felix. “We hired experts to ensure we met the parolees’ needs. When we first started out, we only offered the program at the dealership in Atlanta. The parole officers would provide us with a list of eligible candidates, and we put them through an interview process like we would any other employee.

“As the program grew, I recognized the need for a full-time staff dedicated to overseeing it. I now have a board of ten members made up of law enforcement officers, mental health advocates, and social workers. They review the applications, oversee the interview process, and monitor each enrollee. My wife is the board director and does a wonderful job.”

“What happens after the candidates graduate from the program? Do they keep their jobs with you or move on?” Felix asked.

“Some do take permanent jobs at one of my dealerships, and others move on.”

Felix nodded. “Do they lose access to their mental health advocates and social workers?”

“They do not.”

“How’s that possible?” Felix asked.

“How is what possible?”

“Forgive me for being vague,” Felix said. “Let’s say a twenty-year-old man graduates from your program. Are you telling me that your foundation will continue to pay for the man’s counseling for the rest of his life should he need it?”

Spencer chuckled. “No. You asked me if they lost their access to their mental health advocates and social workers. I told you that they didn’t, and they don’t. You didn’t ask who picked up the bills for their services after graduating.”

“Fair enough,” Felix said. “Who picks up the tab for the twenty-year-old?”

“The hypothetical twenty-year-old,” Spencer said, softening his correction with a smile.

“Yes, hypothetical.”

“After he graduates, either his health insurance from his new job will cover it, or he will work out a cash payment plan with his therapist. The mental health professionals all agreed to continue working with the parolees beyond the program. My aim is to help them get back on their feet and give them a fresh start. I want to help as many people as I can, so I have to set limitations on how long I can cover expenses for one person.”

Felix could be a dick and resume looking for inadequacies in the program or continue looking for ways to tie this program to Mercy’s thugs. Wouldn’t Jack want to reward the ones who kept their mouths shut and did time after getting caught? Or was this program a recruiting agency for Mercy? How could Felix make the connection?

“Do you provide a list of enrollees?”

“Publicly?” Cameron asked. “No, but their names appear in the board meeting minutes, and we keep extensive records in case law enforcement officers request them.”

“Fair enough.” He’d find another way.